FG Revalidates Ondo Deep Sea Port

Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the revalidation of the state’s deep sea port licence to pave the way for industrialisation and investments in the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made the announcement while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at the final expanded quarterly meeting for 2025 in Akure.

He explained that the licence, initially secured from the Federal Government during his tenure as deputy governor, faced delays due to a naming error in the original business case.

“There was an error in terms of the name of the potential investor. It created setbacks because the licence was not in the name of Deep Sea Port Limited. We had to start new processes and prepare a brand-new full business case,” he said.

The governor revealed the port will be located in Erona, Ilaje local government area, which boasts the state’s longest coastline and serves as a gateway to global trade.

The corridor, he added, will host chemical plants producing fertilisers, the Sunshine Petroleum Zone, and a modular refinery with a 500,000-barrel capacity, all at different planning and development stages.

“A lot is happening. The MOU has been signed, land allocated and preliminary work done. Construction on the modular refinery has already begun,” he said, underlining the state’s readiness for large-scale investments.

He emphasised infrastructure development as central to the administration’s strategy, noting that roads to industrial zones are being dualised and modernisation projects are ongoing. Preparations for residential, educational, and hospitality facilities to support an anticipated population increase are also underway.

Highlighting social achievements, Dr Aiyedatiwa noted that 412 primary healthcare centres have been completed or nearing completion, ambulances have been provided to all local governments, and doctors’ welfare has been prioritised.

“Security remains a key focus, with 512 personnel deployed across the state, supported by command and control centres. Traditional rulers have been prioritised with enhanced salaries and mobility to strengthen grassroots oversight,” he said.

The Southwest APC vice chairman, Hon. Isaac Kekemeke, praised the governor for his humility and inclusive leadership and urged lawmakers to participate fully in party activities. He highlighted the expansion of representation from 10 to 60 delegates per local government, welcoming stakeholders from all 18 local government areas.

In his goodwill message, Dr Tunji Abayomi lauded the administration’s achievements, noting the quarterly stakeholders’ meetings and the establishment of the Governorship Advisory Council.